BOONE, Iowa—Raymond Peter Zmolek of Boone, Iowa, better known as Ray or “Zmo” to his friends and family, passed with his daughters, Pam and Jan, by his side on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the age of 87.
Ray was born on August 10, 1936, the youngest of five to Peter and Mary (Dvorak) Zmolek in Clutier, Iowa. Growing up, he helped his dad on the family farm. Ray graduated from Clutier High School with a total of six classmates. He played basketball for the Clutier Charging Czechs. After graduating, he worked for Asplundh Tree Service for one year in Toledo. His career continued with Iowa Electric Light and Power as a lineman. He was later promoted to Operations Supervisor with Alliant Energy in Boone, retiring in 1996.
Ray was married to Ellen Thoms. To this union, two daughters were born, Pam and Jan. They later divorced. He then married Mary Hanson. They wintered in Mesa, Arizona, for many years.
Ray was the kind of guy that people were drawn to. He made many great friends over the years, with his open heart and great sense of humor. He would help anyone in need. He enjoyed happy hours with his buds, shooting the breeze about anything and everything, especially his Hawkeyes and Cyclones.
Surviving to celebrate his memories are his family and many loving relatives. Ray’s survivors include his daughter Pam (Randy) Cibula of Camdenton, Missouri and their children, Brooke (Tony) Brayton, Derek (Liz) Cibula, and Britni Cibula (Mike McVeigh); his great-grandchildren Everett and Eloise Cibula, Keegan and Dillon Brayton; his daughter Jan (Matt) Vellinga of Urbandale, Iowa and their daughter Jordan (Connor) McCuen; his great-granddaughter Blakely McCuen; his step-sons Dave Hanson (Cindy Meyer) of Stanwood, Iowa, and Kevin (Marianne) Hanson of Phoenix, Arizona; his step-grandchildren: Nicholas Hanson, Mitchell (Kate) Hanson, and Anthony (Kali) Hanson; his step-great-grandchildren, Walker and Dixie Hanson; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Zmolek (February 2021); parents, Peter and Mary Zmolek; brother, Stan Zmolek; sisters: Rose Wacha, Rita Green, and Dorothy Zmolek; and niece, Bonnie Nyhus.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Tim Johnson officiating. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone. Interment will be at Linwood Park Cemetery following the Memorial Mass. Ray’s wish is for you to dress casually in your favorite college team attire.
Ray’s family extends their gratitude to the staff at Eastern Star Masonic Home and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.
Memorials in Ray’s memory may be directed to the family to use at their discretion.
The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.
